of references--without purchasing several books?

I have just completed a Medical Office Administration course, and will be starting a
200 hour externship position in July. I do not know exactly what my externship position will entail, but the school that I attended is trying to help me secure an externship with MedQuist. This will be a hands-on training (read "no pay") externship, which is completely fine with me. My goal is to learn as much as I possibly can--it really is not about money right now.
I should also mention that I have just completed an "At-Home" transcription course, and will be receiving a Certificate from them.
My "reference library" thus far is:
Dorland's Medical Dictionary, The Nurse's Drug Book, Medical Transcription Guide Do's and Don'ts by Fordney and Diel, all of the materials that came with my "At-Home" course, and the transcription book that was used for my transcription course at school
(the Medical Office Adm. program that I took). The medical transcription part of the program was a joke, really, which is why I went ahead and took the at-home course, while still going to school for MOA.
I had been told previously NOT to purchase any more reference materials, as one does not know what references will be provided in the work place. This does make sense to me, however, I have no idea what MedQuist will have to offer in the way of references, and I want to be prepared. I have been utilizing the reference materials that I do have, but also, have been utilizing the internet. I am not even sure if I will be able to do that on the job? Or when (and if) I test with them. I also do not know if Medquist will have spell-checkers, extenders, etc.?
What I would really like to know is this:
Is there anyone here who has put together their own little reference portfolio, so-to-speak, by printing information off of the internet and forums--instead of purchasing a lot of books (especially when just starting out)?
I would love to be able to do this!
I really want to keep studying and learning as much as I can--without having to be on the computer looking at the material.
I have an "A" average with the "At-Home course, and have completed my MOA program with a 3.98 GPA-- but, I honestly do not feel prepared enough to test with anyone!
I really want to spend the next 2-3 weeks studying as much as I can-- without spending money (that I definitely do not have right now) purchasing more books.
PLEASE... if anyone can help with information that you have gathered--- I would be so very greatful to have copies. I will gladly pay for any reference "portfolios" that could be sent to me.

Thanks so much!!

Take Care
Autumnbelle

Hi Autumnbelle,

I totally agree that you shouldn't invest in reference books until you have a job. I'm not exactly sure what you mean by a "portfolio" but what I suggest to our independents is keeping a notebook with sections to include each doctor they're working on with words/phrases used frequently. I still keep such a book for myself as new terms/drugs are constantly being used by our clients.

There are many sites on the Internet for medical terms. One of my favorite websites for current terms is Health Professions Institute which has a bi-monthly list of some of the newest terms:

http://www.hpisum.com/terms.ihtml

Since I have access to the Internet all day, I seldom use my Dorland's or drug books any more, although there are some reference books I find helpful if I can't get my information off the Internet:

Stedman's "Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Symbols"
Claudia Tessier's "The Surgical Word Book"
Sloane's "A Word Book in Radiology"
Fordney/Diehl's "Medical Transcription Guide, Do's and Don'ts"
Sloane/Dusseau's "Word Book in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine"

I've been an MT for more than 40 years, and I must admit that I find the Internet to be one of my most indispensable tools for medical transcription, especially when looking for the names of new drugs. Not only do I usually find the correct spelling but also the dosages, uses, and generic/brand names.

Good luck!
Toni

Wow Toneta !

Thank you SO much for the great advice/info.

I have an interview with MedQuist on Tuesday for an "externship" position. I am not sure if they will test me or not, since it is an externship position through a school (not the at-home Med. Transcription course that I took), but a school where I took a Medical Office Administration course. I had 10 months of classes, and now we have to complete a 200 hour externship. Once our externship is completed, we receive a diploma in Medical Office Administration. My goal is to become an MT, and since the Med. Office Adm. program had a course in Medical Transcription, I thought that I would learn enough for an entry-level position in Med. Trans. (BOY WAS I WRONG!)
When I realized that I was not going to learn anywhere NEAR what I needed to, I took the at-home course (the same time I was doing transcription in school) and althoug I did get an "A" in the class at school (which was VERY easy) and I did get an "A" in the at-home course, I still feel unsure as to whether I actually know enough. I told the externship coordinator at the school that I really wanted to try and get an externship with MedQuist, or another company that does transcription, and she told me that it would be difficult, but she faxed my resume to MedQuist, and luckily they did call. If they accept me for an externship position, I will only be there 2 days a week. SO--- I called the human rescources department at a local hospital to see if they had externship positions available, and sure enough-- a representative called me back, and said they do indeed have an externship position opening up for the Medical Records AND the Medical Transcription departments.
I am so VERY excited.... and NERVOUS!!
I will be studying all weekend-- and your link will surely help me !
I do have several reference books, but unfortunately, they are not as good as the ones that have been recommended by yourself, and many others on the forums/boards, and I cannot afford to purchase any more right now. I am hoping that I too, will be able to find most of the info. that I need on line. It's funny that you mentioned the drug info.-- as that is one area that I am having some trouble with. I have the 2000 Nurses Drug guide, and it is not very good at all!
As soon as I am finished typing this to you-- I am going to check out the link that you so kindly gave me, and add it to my growing list of links for Medical Transcription!
Thank you so very much for taking the time to post this! I really do appreciate it!

Have a GREAT weekend : )
Autumnbelle